The opinions, comments and tips from viewers greatly enrich this site. See what viewers have to say on a variety of veterinary and pet health topics, and add in your comments as well. Do you have tips on how you saved money with pets? Has your pet eaten anything particularly icky lately? Are you considering a career as a veterinary technician and wonder what the salary is like? Learn and contribute your knowledge to these subjects and more.
11. Behavior training tips that really work
Photo © Jay McDaniel on Flickr
The post about veterinary behaviorists and Cesar Millan (the Dog Whisperer) got viewers talking about dog training methods.
Have you dealt with aggression, separation anxiety, fearfulness or other behavior problems with your dog?
I hope that the debate has created awareness and will ultimately evolve into something positive for animals everywhere. Please share what behavior problems you have faced, and worked for your dog.
12. Fireworks and Thunder - Share What Works for Your Pet
Credit: HAM guy on Flickr
In the Pets and Fireworks article, common noise phobia signs and behavior modification tips were offered. What worked with your pet for making it through fireworks and thunderstorms? Please share your tips and firework/thunderstorm stories here.
13. Have you had a zoonotic disease?
Ringworm Credit: CDC/Dr. Lucille K. Georg
Zoonotic diseases are illnesses spread between animals and pets. These illnesses can be in the form of viral, bacterial, fungal, protozoal or parasite infections. Have you experienced a zoonotic disease?
14. Pets and Summertime Health Hazards
© makuneros on Flickr
Summertime is a wonderful time to enjoy the outdoors and longer days with our pets, but caution is advised; danger lurks on these bright beautiful days. The living isn't always easy if you are overheated, ate too much, or suffer from parasites. Have you experienced a weather-related illness or emergency with your pets? Please add your story here.
15. Tips for Monitoring Lumps and Bumps in Pets
© Lianne McLeod DVM
You found a lump on your pet. I know the fear and worry that comes with it. The first thing to do is make an appointment with your vet for help in determining what the lump may be, especially if your pet is lethargic, in pain, or bothering the lump. After seeing your vet, if your vet says to "watch the lump" for growth, what is the best way without worrying daily?
16. Tell us the worst thing your pet has eaten
© GenGlo
Pets often eat things they shouldn't. Was it a good-smelling item? A toy that seemed like a good idea to taste? Sometimes people give harmful foods or medications to their pets, not realizing the toxic potential. Lawn and garden items, such as slug bait, rat poison and cocoa mulch are all very toxic, made worse by the fact that they have an appealing taste. Please share your stories and warnings here. You may help prevent an emergency.
17. Pet Adoption Screening - Too Old to Adopt?
Getty Images News - David Paul Morris/Stringer
Careful consideration must be given to the size, age, type and temperament of prospective pets. Waiting a little longer in a shelter is preferable to being adopted and returned again. Some adoption organizations, such as the ASPCA, employ formal pet-people matching methods. Do these programs work? Was your family screened prior to adopting a pet? Are you too "old" to adopt?
18. Can Love & Money Coexist?
© Janet Tobiassen Crosby DVM
The topic of veterinary technician salaries is a hotly debated one on this site. Is love of animals enough? Factoring in the cost of a formal vet tech education (versus on-the-job training), is this a career with adequate income for the level of training and responsibility?
19. Do you have plans in place if you are unable to care for your pets?
© Susan Ragan
We love our pets and provide the best possible care. Many of us assume that we will outlive our pets. This is a natural assumption, and often true. But what if we don't outlive our pets? Do you have plans in place should you die or become unable to care for your pets?
20. Tips for Overweight Pets
© danperry.com on Flickr
You recognize that your pet is overweight. Your vet has sent home a diet and exercise plan for your pet. That said, old habits and patterns can be hard to break. What worked for your pet to break those snack-consuming, couch potato habits? How did you get (and keep) your pet on the road to a fitness?
